American Idol

It started a capella - and it ended with as much praise as an American Idol contestant has received in years.

Forget the judges for a moment. Check out what a group of impartial observers had to say about Crystal Bowersox's rendition of "People Get Ready" last night, which brought the singer to such tears that she could scarcely finish.

MTV.com: "It was the best performance of the season."

Salon.com: "Forget about goose bumps! I had been filled with the Holy Spirit and was jumping up and down in my humble living room screaming, 'Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Alleluia, Alleluia!' I became a born-again believer that "American Idol" could actually be redeemed, saved from its lost and depraved ways by its savior, Crystal Bowersox."

GQ.com: "As frontrunner skeptics, it took Bowersox's near collapse into heavy sobbing to finally convince us that her season-long steely calm was not professionalism, but rather a coping device. Despite the crumbling reputation, this is still a big deal, this American Idol show. Crystal seems to know that now."

DID YOU MISS THE PERFORMANCE? OR CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH IT AGAIN? SEE BELOW.

And then there were two.

Yes, we know there are actually seven finalists remaining on American Idol - but can anyone envision a scenario in which Crystal Bowersox or Lee DeWyze does NOT take home the title?

We certainly hope not, as this pair is clearly the cream of the season nine crop. Each proved why during last night's edition of the show, based around inspirational singles, putting on performances that brought many in the audience to tears.

We've ranked the top seven in order below. Just imagine a large space between number-two and all the others...

1. Bowersox: Who needs a guitar?!? With a perfect rendition of "People Get Ready," and with her father in the crowd, Crystal herself couldn't stop from crying. But here's encouraging news for the singer: she's the one to beat.
2. DeWyze: He took on "The Boxer," a Paul Simon classic. It was a tender performance, one that lived up to the expectations of such a well-known, respected song. Awesome job.
3. Casey James: Taken on its own, a solid take on "Don't Stop." But this singer sounds the same each week. Nothing stands out at this point, which might actually put Casey in danger of elimination this week.
4. Siobhan Magnus: She took heat for her ballad of "When You Believe." But who would you rank above her? Still has a great voice and great potential.
5. Aaron Kelly: It's difficult to get past the cheesy single he chose ("I Believe I Can Fly"), or even the shady persona of the dude who originally sang it (R. Kelly). But this Kelly connected with the audience in an impressive manner.
6. Tim Urban: We've seen better recent performances from this cutie than his cover of "Better Days." His time might finally be up.
7. Michael Lynche: Another cheesy ballad, as Big Mike took a big chance with "Hero." His voice just couldn't carry such a tough song choice.

Who was your favorite performer of the night?

She's the clear season nine favorite on American Idol, but Crystal Bowersox has never looked comfortable on stage.

The folksy singer admitted many months ago that she had never watched an episode of Idol, and she's been outwardly shaken up when certain contestants - such as Lilly Scott and Katie Stevens - were eliminated this year.

Therefore, it didn't come as a major shock this week when a report leaked out that said Bowersox was close to quitting the competition, but was convinced to stay by Ryan Seacrest.

On Facebook yesterday, Crystal confirmed this rumor, writing: We all have moments of doubt. As much as I miss my kid, the big picture is this: im doing this for him and my fans. I'm having the time of my life!

Sounds like Bowersox will be sticking around - and thank goodness for that.

On the most lackluster season to date, we don't even want to imagine tuning in to Idol each week and not at least having Crystal to look forward to.

Last week, the American Idol judges saved Michael Lynche from elimination.

But a new report suggets this wasn't the first time a contestant came close to leaving the show, only for an Idol mainstay to step in at the last minute.

According to TMZ, Crystal Bowersox stormed out of the studio last month, sick of all the attention from the competition and asked Ryan Seacrest in the parking lot: "What's the point?"

Crystal, who said prior to this season that she had never watched American Idol, wanted to return to her family in Ohio. How did Seacrest convince Bowersox to stay? By stating that a victory would make her a millionaire and:

"The greatest thing I ever did was make enough money so I could buy my mom a house.  You can buy your mom a house."

At this, Bowersox reportedly changed her mind, a decision Fox executives must be thankful for. Can you imagine this season without Crystal, the clear favorite and most unique singer remaining?

Perish the thought.

And then there were 7: The remaining American Idol finalists posed for a promotional photo this week and als visited Dodgers Stadium. Which of these is your favorite?

American Idol got a much-needed shot of adrenaline and entertainment this week, when Adam Lambert returned to the stage that made him famous.

But ratings for season nine have plummeted, along with its enterainment value and overall talent level (no offense, Crystal Bowersox).

Especially because it will be competing with Simon Cowell's The X Factor next year, the series needs to do something, it needs some kind of savior, it needs... Paula Abdul?

Sources tell the latest issue of In Touch Weekly that "it's a huge secret, but American Idol producers might be trying to woo Paula Abdul back to the struggling show."

Compared to when Paula was on the panel, viewership has fallen by approximately six million this season. That may have a lot to do with a lackluster set of finalists, of course, most of whom are the same type of singer.

But with Simon departing, “they want Paula back,” an insider tells the tabloid. “They’re not sure if she’d be the fifth judge, but they are talking to her. People tuned in to see Paula’s wacky antics and her chemistry with Simon. The show is just not as much fun to watch without her.”

Do you agree? Do you wanna see Abdul return to Idol?

Adam Lambert was his usual theatrical, entertaining self on the American Idol results show last night.

But he wasn't the only past Idol finalist to return to the stage that made him famous: season seven contestant Brooke White also performed, which would have been exciting and memorable - except that she brought Justin Gaston with her.

Yes, the same Justin Gaston that's famous for posing in his underwear and formerly dating Miley Cyrus.

The pair put on a strange duet of the single "If I Can Dream." Is Gaston even lip-synching it? Watch and grade for yourself:

Brooke White and Justin Gaston Duet

Next week, meanwhile, the show airs its charitable Idol Gives Back special on Wednesday night.

Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood, the Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox and Jeff Beck are all booked to perform on it. Tune in, call in to make a donation, and try to forget that Justin Gaston was ever a part of this show.

Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens were both eliminated from American Idol last night.

This wasn't a shocking result, but it was a sad one, as both contestants shed tears during the episode-concluding montage of their time on the show. We wish Andrew and Katie the best of luck.

On a more positive note, Adam Lambert performed his latest single ("Whataya Want From Me") about 45 minutes into the hour.

Donning a colorful suit, skinny tie and, of course, a bit of guy-liner, last year's runner-up put on an emotional rendition of the single - and used lasers on stage.

"I wanted to do something a little different," Adam said to Ryan Seacrest afterwards, later giving thanks to the show: "I owe American Idol everything."

Humble and incredibly talented? That's the Adam Lambert we know and love...

Back on Idol

Awhile back, we got into a tiff with Adam Lambert fans because we told them to "chill out."

We argued that their over-the-top support of this singer, their rush to defend him at all times, was condescending and sometimes unnecessary. Adam is a big boy, we reasoned, he can take care of himself when the time calls for it.

Very recent case in point: after American Idol producer Ken Warwick said he hopes Lambert's appearance on the show this week helps the singer's "struggling" career, Adam replied on his own.

While acknowledging how "sweet" this sentiment is, Adam told Entertainment Weekly: “I don’t feel like I’m struggling at all. I think things are right where they need to be. My single ‘What Do You Want From Me,’ is just breaking into the Top 10 right now.”

It's true. The song, which Adam will perform live tonight on Idol, is currently at number-13 on Billboard’s Pop chart, and number-23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

What did Adam think of his experience as a mentor?

“I’m really glad that they had me on the show,” he said. “I really enjoyed helping the other contestants... It was a trip being out there. My mom was sitting next to me tonight, and she was like, ‘This is what it used to be like for us! We used to sit here and we got so nervous and we’d be chewing our gum really hard and we’d be going Oh god, I hope he does a good job!‘”

Below, watch a clip of Lambert giving advice to Lee DeWyze... who  proceeded to perform what many considered to be the top rendition of the night.

The stakes were raised for the American Idol finalists last night.

It was Elvis Presley week, for starters, as it's always a challenge to sing classic singles by one of the most iconic artists of all-time.

Meanwhile, Adam Lambert served as a mentor, bringing extra attention to the broadcast by fans of last year's runner-up. As if that wasn't enough, the contestants took the stage aware that TWO of them would be sent home, following last week's save of Michael Lynche.

So, who stepped up his/her game in the face of such pressure? Let's find out...

1. Lee DeWyze made the perfect song choice in "A Little Less Conversation." It's one of Elvis' most catchy hits and, as the judges keep telling us, Lee has one of the best radio voices in the competition. An ideal combo.
2. Crystal Bowersox is almost a bore at this point. Not really, of course, but her rendition of "Saved" was just the latest example of why she's guaranteed to finish in the top three and will likely win it all.
3. Michael Lynche didn't make Simon and company regret saving him. He sat on the stage, strummed his guitar and did what he does best: connect with the audience.
4. Tim Urban earned raves for the second consecutive week. Another great song choice here, as viewers suddenly Can't Help Falling in Love with the cute crooner.
5. Casey James might be playing it too safe. His performances are always similar, which isn't a bad thing - but also make it impossible to ever award him the top spot.
6. Aaron Kelly could be in danger of elimination, as nothing stood out about his "Blue Suede Shoes." No 'wow' moment, as Simon likes to say.
7. Siobhan Magnus falls to the lowest spot we've ever had her at with her confusing arrangement on "Suspicious Minds." Not one of Elvis' better known singles, so we admire the risk she took. But it didn't pay off for a chance.
8. Think Katie Stevens was venting to the judges with her choice of "Baby What You Want Me To Do?"
9. Andrew Garcia sang "Hound Dog." He seems very nice, but will hopefully be singing it again tonight after he gets voted out.

Who was your favorite performer? Click on photos of each from last night below:

With the talent level low and the contestants so similar, this season of American Idol has been considered a bore by most viewers. Ratings certainly reflect a drop in interest.

For that reason, producers are praying Adam Lambert will deliver a much-needed dose of excitement tonight, as he plays mentor to the remaining finalists.

But Ken Warwick tells Entertainment Weekly that he's also counting on the reverse coming true: he hopes the Lambert's appearance on the show will resurrect this singer's sidetracked career.

"The guy is an incredible talent, and he had an incredible following. And it kind of upsets me that at the moment he’s not doing quite as well," the executive producer said. "I don’t know what possessed him to do what he did at the AMAs, but he’s still struggling to live it down.

"Hopefully... we can start putting him back firmly where he belongs, as a major star. Because the guy is an incredible talent. He genuinely is. And it kind of breaks my heart to see someone with that much talent struggle a bit. So hopefully we can do back for him as he can do for us."

Adam Lambert returns to the stage that made him famous this week.

Aside from mentoring tonight, Lambert will return to the American Idol stage tomorrow.

From there, it's off to the GLAAD awards Saturday evening for another performance. Wrote Adam, regarding the event:

"GLAAD has advocated for out music artists, including myself, and I am proud to be part of the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year. GLAAD's work to share stories that grow acceptance and understanding about the gay and transgender community is so important in our culture today."

Will tune in to watch Lambert on Idol this week?